between the shadows and the soul - all kingdom

[Erebor]

We are at war. There will be scars.

He listens to his mother as she speaks, carefully marking her words. He's almost surprised when she agrees with him so completely, but he doesn't show it. He wonders whether they agree because they are so similar, or because he's learned from her. If the latter, he regrets nothing, because he has learned from the best.

He can see that she is thinking, that she has plans beyond what she is saying right now. He wonders if she'll share them with him later. For now, her instructions are clear enough, and he nods. He will go to the Deserts (really, he'd known that he would go to the Deserts, it had never been in doubt) and he will represent the Chamber in as many contests as he can. It might be friendly competition, but that doesn't stop him from wanting to dominate and win. Not for himself – he doesn't seek glory in that way – but for the Chamber.

He listens with interest as she goes on to describe the rules for steals and challenges. He has not yet tested himself in formal battle. Perhaps after the Deserts events would be an excellent time to change that. "I'll visit, and I'll enter the events as well." he says once his mother is finished and the others have spoken their peace. "It'll be a great opportunity to test the strength of the other kingdoms, as well as observe."

Erebor

Native Prince of the Chamber

warship x straia

Apparently that needed to happen.